Local architect Julian de Metz talks about his passion for North West London architecture

Julian is key director at dMFK, looking after new business, design ethos, communication and community consultation and also an external examiner at both Westminster University and Manchester School of Art.

With a deep interest in existing and historic buildings, places and how people use them, we asked Julian about North West London architecture and how his passion first began.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL PROJECT?

My favourite local project is a little mews house we're building for sale in a hidden mews near Fortune Green, just up from our offices. I love the feel of the green, the new development, and it's interesting how the shops are coming up in that area with a new bar and some good places to eat.

WHAT STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE DO YOU FIND MOST BEAUTIFUL OR INTERESTING IN OUR AREA, AND WHY?

I like good, thoughtful contextual modern buildings that work well in historic settings, particularly brick buildings. I'm a big fan of the architect Ted Levy, who was fearless when working in that way. I particularly like the white painted brick development he did on Gayton Crescent and some very stylish split level houses in Old Orchard Mews. There's definitely a place for confident modern buildings within historic settings and we shouldn't lose sight of that being part of our heritage. The modernists had a great impact on the area and there are some great houses including the Connell Ward Lucas house on Frognal, and Erno Goldfinger's Willow Road houses.

Gayton Crescent

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM WHEN STARTING A NEW PROJECT?

Always from the setting, the buildings around, the light, views and things that make it a pleasure to be in a new project. Of course, every client is different and their input is vital.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I enjoy working at different scales, with different people and in a range of places which means every day is a new challenge.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE STYLE OF YOUR WORK AND DMFK'S DESIGN ETHOS? WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?

We like transforming problems into opportunities, re-inventing existing buildings, and taking a brave approach to heritage, believing that complexity breeds interest and richness. We try to create and respond to texture, warmth, grain and richness and make places that people enjoy living in. We're great at working with people and like to think our work feels dynamic.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STAGE OF A PROJECT?

I love concept design, solving new problems, getting to know a client, and developing the early vision.

Frognal House

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN ARCHITECTURE?

Both my father and grandfather were architects so I was brought up around the practice.

DO YOU RECALL THE MOMENT YOU FIRST NOTICED YOURSELF ADMIRING A BUILDINGS STRUCTURE?

Probably years of visiting buildings my father was working on, running around building sites, and also living in a very unusual house got me into it all. My dad bought a tiny cottage in Totteridge, and year on year built crazy extensions out and up. I remember at quite a young age there being a lot of building work going on for some time and me being too young to walk around it. One day my dad just opened a door and there was a whole extra floor on the house which was an amazing play room for us. For me, buildings change and evolve and that's what I really enjoy.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL HOME SPACE?

Filled with light and air, soft and understated, open, but with private nooks and hidden spaces to get lost in.

Willow Road

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE IN NORTH WEST LONDON?

Recently, there's been a healthy trend for good quality brick buildings across the country. This is definitely visible in North West London. This said, I don't really enjoy the trend for Neo Georgian piles favoured by the housebuilders. We need to move forward and create buildings which acknowledge the past, but look to the future.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT OR DRINK IN WEST HAMPSTEAD, SOUTH HAMPSTEAD OR CRICKLEWOOD?

The single restaurant I spend more time in than any other is the Green Cottage. I hear it is closing in June which is the biggest single local disaster in recent years in my view. Perhaps you could lobby to save it!

dMFK is a team of 20 talented young architects, established since 2000, and led by Julian de Metz, Paul Forbes and Ben Knight. If you'd like to find out more about Julian's work or to arrange a consultation, visit dMFK Architects or contact info@dmfk.co.uk.